YearOdyssey Oracle 11, Issue 12 April 9, 2014 4-9-2014

In this Oracle . . .

Celebrating Poetry 3 Exploring Emily Dickinson 18 Loving Langston Hughes 22 Song of the Class of 2014 28

Emily Auerbach, Project Director; Oracle Editor [email protected] Beth McMahon, Oracle Designer 608-262-3733/712-6321

www.odyssey.wisc.edu1 Odyssey Oracle 4-9-2014

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CELEBRATING POETRY

Spring The Sun By Jamie Lovely By LaPrice Black It’s finally spring I looked for the Sun to shine on me, I found myself Wanting it to hit my heart with its great shine. back in the garden I said, “Sun, what you have for me?” dirt under my fingernails The Sun replied, “I need your rays on me.” sweat on my brow I didn’t have the colors of the rainbows, excitement in my soul I scrambled around, wondering where I should go. of feeling alive I stopped and smiled at the Sun, and he said, happiness in my heart “Well done.” of having the hope to continue to grow

What If By Derick McCray What if I was broke Would you give me a loan Spring What if I was homeless By Milli Lau Would you give me a place to lay my head Cold-winds over, warm-winds come, What if I was lost Flowers coming into bloom; Would you help me find my way Snow stops, rain starts, What if I was hurt Grass growing long and green; Would you mend my wound Grey-sky disappears, blue-sky restores, What if I needed a friend Birds flying back to the sky. Would you turn your back What if you didn't see me again Would you wonder what happened Dancer By Vanessa Lopes Maia What if I didn't exist Would you remember I am a dancer What if I feel the passion of love What if you were in my shoes through the beats of my heart. Would you want me to turn a blind eye My feet move to the rhythm of my soul Now ask yourself I only hear the drums What if. The rest of the world becomes silent My heart screams Only then everyone can hear the passion I feel for dancing.

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Class Metaphor By Lucia Chikowero We are a chain, strong and beautiful, Hooked piece by piece, loop by loop, Made of different textures and strengths, Bonded in a unique, artistic manner. If one loop fails, the whole chain falls apart. If one hurts, the whole chain feels the impact. We are a unique chain looped together by Odyssey.

Song of Vanessa By Vanessa Lopes Maia I’m an overcomer. Life brings tears but I wash them away with a smile. There are days of darkness, but my sunshine appears. In the days of solitude I do not fear For there is my God always near. My heart aches at times, but love comforts my soul. The obstacles on the path make me stumble, but if I fall I will be sure to get up and brush away the dust Perseverance is a must in my vocabulary list. Nothing gets in the way of a determined woman. Nothing gets in the way of an overcomer. Song of LaTrease By LaTrease Hibbler Goddess of Earth, wind, fire, and water She talks and I sing She sighs universally and I follow, Just as the revolutionary butterfly I’ve established.

Our energy impacts everything— Simply today, tomorrow, and the day to be. I allow the best of both worlds As dual senses emerge. We do not need to protect ourselves From anyone but ourselves. So instead of waiting for a good day To come around, Spirits of Earth, wind, and water Represent life. Good God morning or Good morning God? . . .

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Inflammable By Michael Martin It incinerates all mind, body, spirit, and destroys everything in it. There’s no hope in sight, only the engulfing suffering of my plight.

This fire trap of torched turmoil has fused dreams into despair and joyfulness into loneliness.

Unable to avoid the incendiary, I’ve succumbed to the device of a tortured quandary. Mind burning with misery, heart aching in agony. Between the two, I cannot fathom their synergy.

The inferno of sorrow gives a brutal infuriating blow. As the temperature exceeds Kelvin, I question am I really among the living?

Drenched in the combustible firestorm while The Second of April, Bittersweet becoming the flamed fury foredoomed, By Simone Lawrence With no one to blame for these charred remains, It’s sad to say with just five days I start to lift the slain from the ashes of pain. we all will leave this room, I have to say I’ll miss this place with every thought that blooms. I can’t believe my class will leave with memories glowing like the moon. It seems is if this Odyssey trip has helped me change my tune. I’ll cry for the year, it is that clear My love I cannot hide. To miss this place leaves this bitter taste through everything inside. For I have learned myself through books and talks of life’s affairs. Yet will leave the biggest part of me for all of you to share So as we leave this room let’s cry without a care. But what is true is this new family of ours Blooms with love we all will share.

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The Mist Odyssey Net By Kunga Chokten By Nyagoa Hoth A seed in the water, they thought I would never grow Our class is like a net, And in the mist, I was lost. Woven together, Betrayed by the mind, I left my heart to sorrow, Each part selected very carefully, And in turn, it seems I was crossed. Based on strength and potential. Oh, how I’ve fallen, with no one in sight. Connected, we are strong, The mist has risen, days turned to night. But if one of us happens to fall, Blistered feet leave me lying on my back, We will catch them. And to the gods I stare. With a heavy heart, I cannot stand, And to try would be more than I dare. As my eyes weaken and my view fades shorter, Charllienne Takes Flight A tear falls past my ear, By Charllienne Cotto And as fast as I’ve lost, and as quiet as I dream, I am a butterfly in progress I open my eyes to see the mist has cleared. I am metamorphosing I am a larva growing to a caterpillar After some incubation I will rise as a glorious butterfly Odyssey Banyan Tree I will fly high above all adversity By Milli Lau And all poverty Odyssey class is a banyan tree. Finally reaching my beautiful graceland. It opens like an umbrella during bad weather to cover us;

It shares soil and water with us when we need; When we get sick, it gives us support; When we feel sad, it gives us comfort; Ferris Wheel When we have a goal, it helps us achieve it; By Christopher Bester Before we get lost, it gives us direction; My life is a Ferris wheel. Before we fall down, it gives us a hand; I have ups and I have downs. Before we feel despair, it gives us hope. Sometimes I stop, But I’ll still come around.

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Graduation Poem Now, By Janet Shelton I have seen you cry You have seen me cry And not once turned a blind eye But turned a blind eye I have heard you scream You heard me scream And asked you what's wrong But it fell on deaf ears I have seen you torn You have seen me torn And I mended you back together But failed to help mend me I have seen you lost You have seen me lost And I helped you find your way But failed to help me find my way I have been told of your darkness You have been told of my darkness And light I provided But failed to provide any light I have seen you at your weakest hour You have seen me at my weakest hour And I provided you strength But failed to offer strength Yet funny how it goes That I have always been there to see you But never have you been able to see me But it's OK, it's fine with me Because on September 4th, 2013 an Odyssey I have begun From Thoreau to Socrates to Whitman and Hughes Along with unmentioned names You wouldn't even know My life sailed My tears are happy now My screams are of joy And my direction is no longer lost Because the darkness I was in I finally turned on the light Today is my day Today is my time Through all of life’s struggles Some before and some encountered along the way I am only docked for a short moment With friends, professors and family To receive my UW Odyssey Certificate I worked so hard to achieve Once I'm done and all laughter and tears subside I will set sail again On my next journey Because what I have learned is That I and only I, Again, I and only I, control the HELM Of my Odyssey

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Candle By Starr Miles Sweet scents of life, I have given you to smell all my loves, my children, my mother, brothers, sister, and father, all that I hold dear. I am a large round candle made from many churns, but I am mounted, solid, and strong. Come nearer and feast on my muted colors that you see on my surface and deep within me. Come warm your soul in my flickering flames of blue, green, and gold shaking and weakening, and then standing bold. Can you see my tears dripping down from the heat and the pains Destiny of life, choices, and indecision? By Mallory Carter Yes, see my full robust tears frozen in time I used to be a one-way street, down the side of me where you all can see that always put others before myself. that someone or something has truly hurt me I always had many life issues that got over and over, can you not see? in the way of my goals and future. But tell me, have you EVER seen a candle like me, But today I am a navigation system so round and bold? Now please come nearer that has a destination to get to! and press your fingers here into the wick of my soul, Yes, I am still a loving and caring person, and my heart deep inside beneath my warm sticky wax; but I have to put my future first now you share this part of me. Look, watch the wax because if I don’t put myself first, who will? as it quickly dries on your fingertips. As I travel to my destination Now take this part of me with you, smell my sweet scents, there are many potholes, road blocks, gaze upon my muted colors and beautiful flames. U-turns, and Do Not Enter signs. Please, now gently blow out my flames, Instead of stopping, I just reroute and I will give you a puff of white smoke. and go around all those signs, Look as it turns my flickering lights into gentle black cinders and deal with them as they come. silently floating up towards my strength, my guidance, Lack of sleep my beautiful black ancestors—my mother, grandmothers, Lack of faith aunts, great-aunts, and great-grandmothers, Lack of support the matriarchs of my family, all who made me Overworked, who I am and who keep me strong. many motherly duties, No me time. One thing I know is that my navigation system will lead me to my destiny!

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Who Am I? By Lucia Chikowero I look at my husband’s face and ask him who I am. He looks back at me and straight into my eyes with love and admiration and says, “Sweetie, you are who you are.” From a distance my two cute kids run around and giggle, calling “Mum!” Confusion and terror written all over my face, I dash to the mirror. “Mirror, mirror, who am I?” I ask. Looking back at me, I see a set of warm, beautiful brown eyes, curly black hair, fairly big white teeth, curly full lips, and a light chocolate brown skin, accompanied by a lovely fading smile. Wait a minute, is that who I am? I look deeper in those brown eyes, searching high and low for who I am.

Through those brown eyes, oh yes, I find who I am. I am that volcano waiting to erupt, A tigress waiting to pounce on this unjust world, I am that smart, intelligent, and confident girl the world is waiting for. I am that brave and courageous woman that man, woman, and child are waiting upon, waiting for me to come and rescue them from the wrath and jaws of this unfair world. I am the great one who has waited for decades upon decades to discover herself, only to be discovered by Odyssey.

This Is Me! By Jackieta Fairley I’ve been walking this catwalk for 31 years. I’m aggressive in mothering my cubs. I’m a shaman in this world of pain and sickness. I’m a perfect wing on the back of a Victoria Secret model. I’m the knowledgeable one just waiting behind bars to be set free. I’m dark and mysterious as I stalk my education to a better living. I’m This and This is Me!

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Pearl On Fire By Vanessa Lopes Maia By Jaquan Fleming I am a precious pearl I am fire who lives in a dark shell in a deep ocean Slow to start yet to be found, yet to be rescued. But sometimes a spark I may seem so fragile inside this shell Will ignite to a blazing inferno. in the pity of my loneliness. I need the chance to be brought Never Forget the Fallen from the depths of the ocean By Shiquille Ward to the sunrays of light. I wake up every morning Only then will I be able to shine. Thank God for another day Only then will my treasure be known. Got some guys that didn’t make it So we celebrate Enjoy life Blue Eyes Spread love By Christopher Bester And just embrace Your crystal blue eyes remind me of the ocean. If it’s a dream you been sitting on They are like a secret potion. Grab a pen It’s a beautiful thing when you’ve awoken. Grab some paper I know if eyes could speak yours would have spoken. And just sing along Your diamond blue eyes should forever be open. Be happy Be grateful Be thankful Because remember Song of Milli Trayvon would be happy By Milli Lau To trade places. Appearances are colorful, but are puzzling, are deceptive, Silence is dreary, but is comfortable, is peaceful, Speech is amusing, but is disturbing, is harming, Rhapsody in Bloom Work is arduous, but is interesting, is meaningful; By Jamie Hanson My soul croons a I can’t see in the darkness, but I can feel, Rhapsody in bloom, my I can’t hear in the valley, but I can know, Bleeding heart I can’t speak through my tongue, but I can express, I wear on my sleeve. I can’t do without my heart.

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Song of Kelli Life’s Odyssey By Kelli Green By Derick McCray I must get better Life’s Odyssey How will I ever be able to do anything A journey of the unknown I can’t accomplish nothing Life hands you many different missions It’s very frustrating Which path do you choose How come everyone else has it Comes full circle into your own. How do I get it Within each decision you make I must get better I say There are consequences and repercussions I must get more confident in myself What defines you for who you are To learn not only from your achievements The Odyssey Experience Also the many mistakes By Mallory Carter Now take these words At first there were 30 different reasons Hold them near But today there’s only one reason Analyze the pros and cons in life 30 different attitudes Before you make your decision 30 different likes, dislikes Always always think twice 30 different people For life’s Odyssey 30 different stories Is a journey of the unknown Over the time we have all come together Embrace your fears. No one would have thought that possible Feeling the love and support of others Knowing that you are not alone Bleeding Heart Sometimes just seeing another’s face By Isis Bernard Or hearing another’s voice I am a bleeding heart Brings life into our lives that is only planted once We start out as strangers and blooms every spring, but now are all a family no matter how many times striving for the same purpose out of life. you may try and rip out the roots. It’s amazing how 30 people Have become 1. I call that the experience of Odyssey.

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Procrastination When I’m Ready By Kunga Chokten By Kelli Green Procrastination is like a disease. I thought I needed to know If you don’t do something about it right away, I thought I needed to do it now it will only get worse. Better sooner than later, they say But I learned something today I always put the hardest thing off for last I don’t need to know and in turn never get around to it. I don’t need to do it now I do have time to make it there I can avoid the word “procrastination” completely And get to where I want to go if I just allow myself to not fall behind. I’ll do it when I’m ready and comfortable. One of the best feelings is actually getting caught up with everything. Song of Mallory It’s a huge weight off your shoulders. By Mallory Carter

As May starts to come, Procrastination is the lack of determination. I have realized I have achieved

one of my goals called Odyssey. Sometimes you just need some gasoline Odyssey has changed me for thrown on your motivation to get things done. the better. Through the Song of Michael long nights, busy weeks, By Michael Martin three kids, and working, I hear the melody of myself. I feel blessed through it all. It soothes and is an enriching tool. I put my mind on something As I’m tuned in and listening and have accomplished it. to everything around me, It wasn’t easy, but I was I relish the love of every moment. determined to succeed. I am grateful for everything Without Odyssey, I would just be and I will not regret anything. another stressing mother, The enjoyment I receive daily working many long hours is a beautiful blissful satisfaction. without a clue of my future. Musically imported from Detroit, Motown, my town, Thanks to Odyssey, I am my mental motor runs on high octane knowledge, a proud, happy mother of three which drives my mind to happiness. working my way to getting I’ve never heard this rhythm before; my nursing degree however, I’d love to hear lots more. starting this fall.

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Broken Questions By Jeannine Shoemaker By Robert James Sometimes I feel broken, Questions are my friends a shattered part of myself, A fine place to begin other times I feel strong as an ox, I know not where they end and no one can break me. They teach me again and again That is when I’m a mom Questions have a friend fighting for my children Some assume it is the end and I won’t let nothing stop me. I say to that there is reply But when I’m down Received we wonder why and feel as if I can’t go on, Together that is the broken, shattered part To find a place of me. Better That’s when I can’t fix my mom Than yours or mine or give part of myself to do so. I can’t take her pain away or help her as she struggles to breathe . . . I wonder which one will be the last. I’m broken because there’s nothing I can do. I offered one of my lungs, but the doctor said I could not be a candidate, plus it’s too late for that. Nigger I feel broken when I feel the sharp pain By Robert James going through my back Nigger! Nigger! Nigger! and I feel like giving up. Does it offend? But wait— Well, I hope so I know that I have more to give. cause it don’t hurt Black people no mo’. That is who I am, I’m a helper, a giver, So what’s the real reason and I can’t give up. I’m a strong woman inside, people hate the word so? and someone out there needs me. perhaps they know Where is the glue to put me back together? guilt I can do this, I can go on unaddressed won’t go.

Change By LaPrice Black Change is not a circle Change is a distinctive way Change can be for better or worse Which one will you choose?

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The Truth By Toshiana Northington My heart has been broken My heart has been broken I know what it feels like I know what it feels like My heart has been broken My heart has been broken That’s why I hold it tight That’s why I hold it tight Lord has been on my side through thick and thin I have had men cheat on me Lord, you know I am truly sorry for my sins I have had people lie to me I have made a change for the better I will not let anyone else bring me down I have made a change for my kids I’m gonna do me I have made a change for my future Cornealius, I have changed, My heart has been broken I know you are pleased I know what it feels like My heart has been broken I say I have made a change for the better That’s why I hold it tight I have made change for my kids I have made a change for my future Family say they will be on your side Cornealius, my brother, you know what it is But talk about you behind your back Friends say they will be your friends forever My heart has been broken But as time goes by, we will see about that I know what it feels like Now let’s be real, only you can be true to you My heart has been broken That’s why I’m gonna make it, do what it do That’s why I hold it tight

Song of Zeynab By Zeynab Ahmed

I am thoughtful and repulsed. i wonder if this world will ever find peace. I hear the cries of orphaned children. I look for light in a time of darkness. I am thoughtful and repulsed.

I pretend I am OK with the world. I feel angry that nobody worries about those children. I worry they won't be rescued. I cry thinking of their pain.

I am thoughtful and repulsed.

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Not a Machine By Michael Martin I am not a Machine, built to build I am not a Machine, programmed to perform certain tasks I am not a Machine, calculating and solving I am not a Machine, analyzing and estimating I am not a Machine, completely dependent I am not a Machine, awaiting commands Song of Amber By Amber McCarley I am a mother, a sister, a daughter, a cousin, and so much more. I am a hard worker. I am a Nurse Assistant and I do catering. I am from Buffalo, New York. I lived in Charlotte, North Carolina for four years. I moved to Madison, Wisconsin, and have lived here for four years now. I am quiet but can get loud. I am very independent and strong. Rainbow of Life I love who I am and will not do too much changing. By Alisha Taylor Racism is a raging red fire that kills dreams. Optimists believing an orange will heal all. Yuppies flagging down yellow cabs in order to make the best teams. Girls competing with eyes of green only to be crowned prom queen. Boys trying hard to fit in so that the blues of adolescence offers them a plea. Odyssey Individuals insisting on stopping to watch By Shiquille Ward the indigo bunting's scene. My odyssey can never end. Victory has arrived when we live to see Every day a brand new odyssey begins. another violet sunset. An odyssey is a journey, A journey of self. Self-preservation is the main goal, But on this odyssey “all that glitters” ain’t gold. I’ve looked the devil square between the eyes And continued to sip my coffee, didn’t blink an eye. I’ve flown with the butterflies high in the sky As I continue on this journey I hope to only gain not lose, For an odyssey is a game, A game I can’t lose.

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Song of Alisha By Alisha Taylor My song is often one with little to no words One of remembrance of a simpler time in my life One of my younger years of waking up to the smell of morning dew and the way it sounds as it whistles through the curtains of my cracked window I enjoy the sounds of autumn leaves clapping from the highest tree tops to the beautiful sight of leaves dancing on the ground To just lie outside and try to find the brightest star or the nights my family watched the earth’s magical light show The taste of catching raindrops on my tongue was like quenching my thirst with nature’s tears My song is an instrumental because words would only drown out the vast sounds that Mother Earth offers my senses

Song of Lucia By Lucia Chikowero In a time like this I celebrate life. With one parent gone while you are little When you still need her to help you bathe When you can’t even tie your own shoes I Am When you still need her to take you to school By Robert James and even teach you to write your own name I am the child of Why When you need her to gently guide you bred never to cry. around the gorges of life I am the “Stroll” In a time like this I celebrate life. all the vices and hustles to behold Heavy hearts, dirty minds, clean souls. Life has a way of turning things around. I am a different kind Left young, beaten down, dead ends ahead Our struggle instilled in me. has been part of my journey. I am an expression of possibility I have fallen down several times Deferred! but I have never stayed there I am Blaxpoitation, cultural I am now a mother as well, misrepresentation gently shepherding my own flock, I am genoicide only the strong survive giving them what I never had. I am the reason for eugenics Priceless to see beautiful smiles light up their faces. And Planned Parenthood clinics When I look in the mirror I see my mother I am always forgotten and never heard giving me the assurance that I am doing great. When I cry out it’s deemed absurd In a time like this I celebrate life. Still I try Without knowing why Because I am the child Who could NOT cry. 16 Odyssey Oracle 4-9-2014

Lion Zip It Up by Christopher Bester By Starr Miles I am a lion, king of the pride. Sweet ‘n Sassy Missy Starr, I call the shots like Simba. Tell me who you really are? I'm always sharp like my teeth. Can you learn a little more? I am an oversized wildcat with a fierce roar. Open up a few closed doors? I am all mighty to the cubs What or who’s waiting on the other side? and a safeguard. Leave your worries in the back, I stand tall towering over my enemies. Matter-of-fact zip them up inside your backpack. I expose weaknesses Once you step inside this class, and attack at will. your odyssey begins. I am a lion. Actor, professor, poet, historian, author, singer, soak in all their gifts of knowledge . . . Look through that looking glass Song of Latrice that reflects who you really are inside. By Latrice White Learn what gifts your classmates can provide When I look at myself of knowledge, pain, hardship, I think of midnight, perseverance and strength . . . family. such a dark complexion. Missy Starr, zip it all up inside When I look up high that backpack you carry on and see the stars shine so bright, Odyssey graduation day I feel that’s my life so bright. with joy, happiness, and pride. So many changes come and take your faith, but I still have faith. Once the stars fade over the night to shift to the morning, I can’t wait until the night falls again to shine so bright.

I Am a Mother By Jackieta Fairley . . . At the first year I thought that none of this was for me. Oh, my God, had the stork laid the baby on the wrong door step. As time passed, I began to feel this feeling of importance. It became more apparent that M-O-T-H-E-R was Jackieta And Jackieta was M-O-T-H-E-R. This being a mother ain’t no easy street, But it’s my street. It has twists and turns, curves, hills, plateaus, stop signs, flashing yellow lights, green lights, roses, daisies, tears, laughter, headaches, heartaches, and pain. But through it all, a M-O-T-H-E-R I remain.

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EXPLORING EMILY DICKINSON

#1292 #361 Yesterday is History, What I can do—I will— ‘Tis so far away— Though it be little as a Daffodil— Yesterday is Poetry— That I cannot—must be ‘Tis Philosophy— Unknown to possibility—

Yesterday is mystery— This poem means that a person Where it is Today will help if they are able. Even While we shrewdly speculate though that person may not Flutter both away have much, they will help with what they have. Possibility She is saying that yesterday is imagines how much help that gone and you cannot get it back. person would love to give if She is also saying that if we they had the world. worry about the days going/ (Toshiana Northington) coming, we will lose the joy of being here. #599 There is a pain—so utter— I chose this poem because it is a reminder to It swallows substance up— live life and not to worry about what I did or Then covers the Abyss with a trance— what I should be doing. Live for today and So memory can step enjoy your time on earth. (Simone Lawrence) Around—above—upon it— As one within a swoon— #1287 Goes safely— In this short Life Where an open— That only lasts an hour Would drop him— How much—how little—is Bone by Bone Within our power Pain, interrupting ordinary life, This poem means life is short, can be so overwhelming that it and it is here not for long. It takes over—controls the mind describes how we have enough and every aspect of one’s power to do a lot within this existence. Nonetheless, little bit of time. There is a lot underneath it exists a sacred life that can be done and “so memory can step around— accomplished in this little bit of across—upon it.” In many cases, time. I think this is saying you pain becomes detrimental and is nearly have little time but so much to fulfill. impossible to avoid once the mind is (Toshiana Northington) overtaken. Pain has great effects on body and soul, both physically and psychologically.

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Slipping into a trance like state, in an #435 unrealistic state, pain separates the soul from Much Madness is divinest Sense the body. Relying on a way to get past the To a discerning Eye agony, we head for relief, no matter what the Much sense— means is. Pain blinds us and robs us of our The starkest Madness dignity once “it swallows substance ‘Tis the Majority up.” (LaTrease Hibbler) In this, as All, prevail Assent—and you are sane— Demur—you’re straightway dangerous— #135 And handled with a Chain Water, is taught by thirst. Land—by the Oceans passed. Popular ideas are usually viewed as making Transport—by throe— more sense because they have the majority of Peace—by its battles told— people on their side. When you go with the Love, by Memorial Mold— flow, you are considered as good; the moment Birds, by the Snow. you deviate from the mainstream idea, you are labeled as crazy no matter how insane the Dickinson is talking about how you see the majority view is. Usually things that are value of things when you do not have them. viewed as craziness make more sense to She says you see the value of water when you people who think critically. What is viewed by have been thirsty. You value being on land the majority as making sense could be the when you had been traveling on water; craziest things; unfortunately in a democracy, transport when you have really struggled. You the majority rules. Whatever the majority says value peace when you have been through binds everyone. The unpopular minority are battles. You can discover you love someone usually viewed as dangerous since they do not after you have lost him/her and you are now want to toe the line with the crazy majority erecting memorials for them. You really miss who may not be thinking critically at all. the sound of birds when you have had a very long, snowy winter when everything is gloomy I resonate with the issue of being viewed as and no sign of life. insane because you are not toeing the line with everyone. Most African people are very To me, the issue of valuing conservative when it comes to something after a period of being issues of sexual orientation. In my without is a very big part of my life. circles I am known for defending I grew up an orphan. Whenever I the right to choose and letting see people fighting with their others be. I always ask people as parents and not communicating to why the hate if they are not with them, my heart hurts. I always homosexual themselves; how are wish I had had ONE more day/ they affected by gays? On this, week/month/year with them. people view me as crazy. In any People do not see the value of case the majority rules. For what they have until they have lost example, Uganda recently enacted it. . . . (Lucia Chikowero) anti-gay laws. (Lucia Chikowero)

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# 1129 # 303 Tell all the truth but tell it slant, The Soul selects her own Society— Success in circuit lies, Then—shuts the Door— Too bright for our infirm delight To her divine Majority— The truth's superb surprise; Present no more—

As lightning to the children eased Unmoved—she notes the Chariots—pausing— With explanation kind, At her low Gate— The truth must dazzle gradually Unmoved—an Emperor be kneeling Or every man be blind. Upon her Mat—

According to Emily Dickinson, the fact and I've known her—from an ample nation— reality of our words are important. However, Choose One— the truth may be hard for the audience to Then—close the Valves of her attention— understand because it could be very Like Stone— complicated. Moreover, the truth may overwhelm the listener because it could be Emily Dickinson believes that she can choose very painful. Therefore, people should tell the her own destiny based on her thoughts or truth indirectly, kindly, and gently in order to mind. She can refuse the pressure to conform lead others to find out the entire truth to the prevailing group by closing her doors gradually. Otherwise, the truth may cause and staying alone. She maintains her path to harm and endanger those who are innocent or resist the oppression of the outside world. She ignorant. insists on her choice by not accepting any lure. She would only choose the life that she wants It is true that many people cannot handle the consistently – making her own decision and truth because of its complexity and giving her life meaning without outside harmfulness. Saying the truth periphrastically interference. Therefore, she is like a statue would be a better way to deal with these staying in her own kingdom. problems. However, Emily Dickinson neglects that the “truth” is a subjective concept. In reality, nobody can isolate themselves from Everyone thinks that they know the truth. society to live in their ideal world. Since What constructs the truth? Who decides the human beings are gregarious animals, we truth? We all have bias. cannot avoid being influenced by other When we talk with other people such as our families and friends, as people based on what well as authorities. Our thoughts and actions we believe is true, we are being controlled or restricted can mislead them from unconsciously by this physical world. We knowing the truth. This is must conform to the norms which are the reason I think that imposed on us. When we are aware that we we should guide others want to make our decisions or try to do to experience the truth something for ourselves, we may not have instead of telling it. too much choice. Our souls are not Nevertheless, it is hard to completely free and independent. (Milli Lau) do so. (Milli Lau)

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#164 I also see the whole poem as being an apology Mama never forgets her birds, to Nature for taking without ever really asking Though in another tree— permission. It can also be a song of She looks down just as often appreciation for Nature’s passivity and And just as tenderly benevolence. (Robert James) As when her little mortal nest With cunning care she wove— #919 If either of her “sparrows fall,” If I can stop one Heart from breaking She “notices,” above. I shall not live in vain If I can ease one Life the Aching This means to me Mama is Or help one fainting Robin always going to protect you, Unto his Nest again even if that is risking her life. I shall not live in Vain. She will always have your back, even when you least expect it. This poem is so me. I have She also will take care of you always been the fixer in my until you are able to do so family, one to ease every one’s yourself. (Christopher Bester) pain. My daughters would even bring me small animals to take #41 care of and nurture back to I robbed the Woods— health. That’s one reason why I The trusting Woods. became a medical assistant and The unsuspecting Trees wanted to go on to become a nurse. It makes Brought out their Burs and mosses me feel so good to know that I have eased the My fantasy to please. pain of others and that I have tried my best. I scanned their trinkets curious— (Jeannine Shoemaker) I grasped—I bore away— What will the solemn Hemlock— What will the Oak tree say?

I think Ms. Dickinson may be referring to picking certain plants from Nature and using them for her own purpose. When she says “My fantasy to please,” I believe she is stating personal intent to use the burs and mosses. Hemlock, of course, is the plant used to make the poison that killed Socrates. Is that the reason it is solemn? Solemn can mean marking a religious ceremony, so could Ms. Dickinson have used plants as part of a religious observance?

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LOVING LANGSTON HUGHES

Helen Keller In time of silver rain She, The butterflies In the dark, Lift silken wings Found light To catch a rainbow cry, Brighter than many ever see. And trees put forth She, New leaves to sing Within herself, In joy beneath the sky Found loveliness, As down the roadway Through the soul's own mastery. Passing boys and girls And now the world receives Go singing, too, From her dower: In time of silver rain The message of the strength When spring Of inner power. And life Are new. Helen Keller was the first deaf and blind person to get a The poem “In Time of Silver Rain” is about a Bachelor of Arts degree. This renaissance, a time when life is new. The poem depicts how despite vision of spring is illuminated in the words enormous challenges, she “green grasses grow and flowers lift their blossomed into a lovely head,” and “the butterflies lift silken wings.” woman through inner Hughes beautifully introduces the human strength. connection to the Earth with “in joy beneath the sky, as down the roadway, passing boys I read this poem and immediately felt it was and girls go singing too.” written for me. I have emerged from the darkness of domestic abuse to the light and My favorite time to be alive is in spring. loveliness of self-love. I recently changed my Everything is new and full of hope and name to Jamie Lovely. I do believe I am lovely. possibility. The silver rain sounds cleansing of (Jamie Lovely) the decomposing past. I love the line “To catch a rainbow cry.” (Jamie Lovely) In Time of Silver Rain In time of silver rain To a Dead Friend The earth puts forth new life again, The moon still sends its mellow light Green grasses grow Through the purple blackness of the night; And flowers lift their heads, The morning star is palely bright And over all the plain Before the dawn. The wonder spreads Of Life, The sun still shines just as before; Of Life, The rose still grows beside my door, Of life! But you have gone.

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The sky is blue and the robin sings; The butterflies dance on rainbow wings So go home, stupid! Though I am sad. I'll spit in your eye! Stupid, go home-- In all the earth no joy can be; Before I cry. Happiness comes no more to me, For you are dead. The first stanza’s metaphor for blackness is a “dirty face,” and segregation is clearly Mr. Hughes starts this poem at addressed. The second stanza shows that night because night reflects his violence is used to enforce and uphold mood as opposed to day segregation when he says, “If you don’t go, I symbolizing happiness. Giving will pull your ear.” The third stanza speaks to the darkness a color brings the feeling of fear and inadequacy produced some beauty to it, and the by segregation. The last stanza shows that moon’s light is mellow, segregation causes one person to belittle creating a sense of ambience. I another. In so doing, the violent segregationist think the suspenseful and melancholic mood embarrasses and degrades himself. of night is captured rather stunningly. Then (Robert James) Mr. Hughes starts to describe life: the dawn, the sun, and the “still growing rose.” All Dancers resonate with vivacity before he first mentions Stealing from the night someone has “gone.” Mr. Hughes continues A few with scenes of beauty which serve as irony to Desperate hours his sense of profound sadness. He ends by Of pleasure saying he has completely lost his ability to be happy at anything because his friend has died. Stealing from death (Robert James) A few Desperate days Ultimatum: Kid to Kid Of life Go home, stupid, And wash your dirty face. In “Dancers” Hughes Go home, stupid, describes how dancers This is not your place. express themselves. Through movements, dancers show Go home, stupid, their happiness, excitement, You don't belong here. as well as their sadness. If you don't go, Dancers also use dance as a I will pull your ear. form of escape. They can be anyone they want to be, and they can be any I ask you if you'd like to play. place they want to be. Dancing is a source of "Huh?" is all you know to say, pleasure where the body allows the mind to Standing 'round here travel through moves of the soul. Here Hughes In the way. resumes in a few words how dancers find

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their pleasure through dance in the moments of Vari-Colored Song pain. If I had a heart of gold, As have some folks I know, I relate to this because I am a dancer. Ever since I I’d up and sell my heart of gold was a child, I have always found a connection And head North with the dough. with my body and soul through dance. When I dance I find myself in a different dimension, But I don’t have a heart of gold. perhaps in another world. I could not express My heart’s not even lead. with words what I feel and project to others It’s made of plain old Georgia clay. when I am dancing. Dance has also been a great That’s why my heart is red. stress relief for me in my most difficult days. When I dance to the beat and the rhythm of I wonder why red clay’s so red Brazilian music, I live memories. I also have heard And Georgia skies so blue. from others that when I dance I pass on a great I wonder why it’s yes to me, positive energy that motivates them. I love to But yes sir, sir, to you. dance . . . I am a dancer. (Vanessa Lopes Maia) I wonder why the sky’s so blue Grief And why the clay’s so red. Eyes Why down South is always down That are frozen And never up instead. From not crying In “Vari-Colored Song” he is talking Heart about getting away from the That knows segregation of the South. Some No way of dying. black people never left their home. He is speaking of the inequality In “Grief” Hughes expresses the between blacks and whites. Why feeling of someone who suffers was it always so sad and down in and feels heartache over a loved the South? He wrote this poem to one who passed away. Perhaps speak about people staying in the south and Hughes himself suffers deeply a being treated badly. He is writing as a black man loss of someone special. Here he who knows he needs to leave home. (Simone mentions that there are no tears, Lawrence) but there is a heart that is in pain because the heart does not conceive the Still Here meaning of death. I’ve been scared and battered. My hopes the wind done scattered. Both of my paternal grandparents died in Brazil Snow has friz me, sun has baked me while I have been living here. Although I did not Looks like between ‘em cry as much as I thought I would have, my heart They done tried to make me aches and suffers. It is very painful to let go of Stop laughin’, stop lovin, stop livin’— someone we love so dearly. It was also very hard But I don’t care! because I could not see them or say good bye or I’m still here! even be there with my family. My grandparents will always be in my heart. (Vanessa Lopes Maia) In “Still Here” he is talking about what life does

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to you. I believe he is saying that no matter Yes, sir! what life brings or does, he is still strong. All my days Climbing up a great big mountain I liked this poem because it is expressing how Of yes, sirs! you have to stay strong no matter what life can throw at you. (Simone Lawrence) Rich old white man Owns the world. Blue Monday Gimme yo’ shoes No use in my going To Shine. Downtown to work today, It’s eight, Yes, sir! I’m late - And it’s marked down that-a-way. The poem “Porter” means basically you have to respect Saturday and Sunday’s your slave master or the white Fun to sport around. man for the rest of your life by But no use denying - saying “yes sir” even if you’re Monday’ll get you down. doing them a favor. Your life is ordered. (Christopher Bester) That old blue Monday Will surely get you down. Hey! Sun’s a settin’, “Blue Monday” says to me that This is what I’m gonna sing. you should try even if you think Sun’s a settin’, you know what’s going to This is what I’m gonna sing: happen no matter what. Try. I feels de blues a comin’, You don’t know until you try. Wonder what de blues’ll bring?

Always try no matter what you Hey! Hey! are doing. I like this poem Sun’s a risin’, because it’s something I know I need to work This is gonna be ma song. on. This is my case every Wednesday night I could be blue but because this semester I have to show up to I been blue all night long. class late due to work. It makes me not want to come because it’s going to count against The poems “Hey” and “Hey Hey” say he was me in some way not to mention all the coming to the blues and was low starting off information I’m missing. (Kelli Green) his night. He didn’t know what it would bring, but he gets through the night. He is tired of Porter being down, so he will change up his song. He I must say don’t wanna be blue no more. (Christopher Yes, sir, Bester) To you all the time. Yes, sir!

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Theme for English B The instructor said, Go home and write a page tonight. And let that page come out of you--- Then, it will be true. I wonder if it's that simple? I am twenty-two, colored, born in Winston-Salem. I went to school there, then Durham, then here to this college on the hill above Harlem. I am the only colored student in my class. The steps from the hill lead down into Harlem through a park, then I cross St. Nicholas, Eighth Avenue, Seventh, and I come to the Y, the Harlem Branch Y, where I take the elevator up to my room, sit down, and write this page: It's not easy to know what is true for you or me at twenty-two, my age. But I guess I'm what I feel and see and hear, Harlem, I hear you: hear you, hear me---we two---you, me, talk on this page. (I hear New York too.) Me---who? Well, I like to eat, sleep, drink, and be in love. I like to work, read, learn, and understand life. I like a pipe for a Christmas present, or records---Bessie, bop, or Bach. I guess being colored doesn't make me NOT like the same things other folks like who are other races. So will my page be colored that I write? Being me, it will not be white. But it will be a part of you, instructor. You are white--- yet a part of me, as I am a part of you. That's American. Sometimes perhaps you don't want to be a part of me. Nor do I often want to be a part of you. But we are, that's true! As I learn from you, I guess you learn from me--- although you're older---and white--- and somewhat more free.

This is my page for English B.

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In “Theme for English B,” an English instructor gives is anyone who wants to show off. What is the an assignment to his students to write a page about “truth”? While some Americans comment that themselves. He also tells his students to let the Chinese students are not willing to answer teachers’ words come from their “selves” in order to make it questions because they are afraid of making “true.” The only black student wonders if his white mistakes, they would not consider that we are also instructor oversimplifies what is the “truth.” Then he facing the pressure of being seen as showing off in a talks about his background – a 22-year-old colored way that may make many Americans feel student, born in Winston-Salem, going to school and uncomfortable. (Milli Lau) college in different places, and not living in luxury – to tell the audience that he is a minority in a diverse Vagabonds country. When he starts to write, he realizes that it is We are the desperate hard for him to understand the “truth” because he is Who do not care, young and the “truth” is different in the eyes of The hungry black and white people. Afterward, he says the Who have nowhere “truth” for him is what he has observed and To eat, experienced. He lists the common things he likes to No place to sleep, do to prove that his different race or skin color does The tearless not mean he is unlike other young white people. He Who cannot believes the “truth” is that he and his white Weep instructor are linked even though their perspectives vary, and no matter if they want it or not. Since both In this poem, the narrator describes his life as a of them are Americans, they can learn from each vagabond ‒ no resources, no shelter, and no feeling. other through sharing their cultures and views Although he is a member of society, he is nobody. He although he differs from his instructor in race, age, has “nowhere” to stay and no one to “care” about and status. him. He has nothing ‒ he has no food to eat so he feels “hungry”; he has no home so he has “no place I think the narrator is right; the “truth” is different to to sleep”; he has no hope and no feelings so he has various people. After I read this poem, some past no “tear” and cannot “weep.” As a traveler, he experiences appear in my mind. . . . In an economics cannot live in a normal life. He is isolated from the class one year ago, I remember that my Asian society and cannot find his place in it. instructor was very happy that I often could answer his questions, which the other white students could For me, this poem is a metaphor for the historical not answer. However, I heard my white classmates experience of African-Americans. They are part of whisper and saw their strange facial expressions, this country, but they have been isolated and regardless of whether I could or could not answer ignored for a long time. Before I came to the United the questions. For my instructor, answering his States, I thought “American” was used to describe all questions implied that I put effort to prepare his people who were born in America and grew up here class and was eager to learn. For my classmates, the regardless of their skin color. However, I find that I fact that I could answer the questions was signaling I am oversimplifying the meaning of this word. In the wanted to show off, while not answering the United States, “American” is only used to describe questions meant I was stupid. . . . white people. All the others are called African- American, Native-American, Filipino-American, etc. Now, in Odyssey class, I do not feel any of my Just from the language, it implies a sense of “social classmates want to show off their ability even exclusion” that can make discrimination continue though many of them compete to answer questions. unconsciously forever. (Milli Lau) Moreover, I do not think any of us believe that there

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SONG OF THE CLASS OF 2014

Inspired by Walt Whitman’s “Song of Myself”

We celebrate ourselves and sing ourselves.

We have worked as a janitor, peer tutor, garbage man, newspaper factory worker, balloon seller, roofer, security guard, truck driver, grocery bagger, McDonald’s cashier, sandwich expert, afterschool counselor, waitress, telemarketer, secretary, vent filter maker, nurse’s aide, gas pumper, cook, grocery store stocker, home health aide, housecleaner, letter carrier, hair stylist, gallery monitor, apple picker, and Boys and Girls Club group leader.

We come from Madison, WI; Dearborn Homes in Chicago, Illinois; Ivanhoe Projects in Gary, Indiana; Detroit, Michigan; Buffalo, New York; Norfolk, Virginia; Dayton, Ohio; Detroit, Michigan; Memphis, Tennessee; New Orleans, Louisiana; San Antonio, Texas; Muranguape, Brazil; Nyameni Marondera, Zimbabwe; Malakal, Sudan; Nairobi, Kenya; Hong Kong; and Puerto Rico.

Our relatives were born in Durant, Mississippi; Hennings, Tennessee; Hayti, Missouri; Forest City, Arkansas; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Chimanimani, Zimbabwe; Khartoum, Sudan; Mogadishu, Somalia; China, Japan, Cuba, and Tibet.

They speak Portuguese, Spanish, Shona, Ndebele, Zulu, Xhosa, Ndau, Kiswahili, Venda, French, German, Arabic, Nuer, Somali, Mandarin, Cantonese, Taishanese, English, and American Sign Language

And call themselves sanctified Christian, Jehovah’s Witness, Baptist, Catholic, Black Muslim, Pentecostal, Seventh Day Adventist, Muslim, Buddhist, and Atheist.

We are complex, funny, frugal, introspective, secretive, provocative, curious, competitive, friendly, hardened, stereotyped, blessed, knowledgeable, inquisitive, loved, persistent, motivated, stressed, short, tall, friendly, honest, sincere, humble, mushy, caring, strong, tired, broke, busy, happy, loving, supportive, honest, creative, vivacious, crazy, spiritual, smart, ambitious, charismatic, responsible, dedicated, outspoken, athletic, brave, calm, old school, boring, autistic, sleepy, enthusiastic, bashful, delicate, joyous, nonchalant, optimistic, pessimistic, quirky, soulful, gracious, peaceful, witty, goofy, serious, mean, forgetful, intuitive, sensitive, big-hearted, nurturing, lovely, and smooth.

We are the Odyssey Class of 2014.

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